Free Kits Pool.

Kitsilano Pool still runs on a COVID-era booking system - five years later. Reserved time slots. Empty lanes. Locals turned away from a pool that's half full. It's time to give Kits Pool back to the public.

Join your neighbours calling for open, first-come, first-served access. Takes 30 seconds.

A Public Pool That Isn't Open to the Public

Kits Pool is Vancouver's crown jewel — the longest saltwater pool in North America, built for everyone. But today, 75% of its capacity is locked behind an online reservation system, with only 25% left for drop-in swimmers.

And it's not just the booking system. Overall capacity has been drastically reduced, and the pool closes multiple times a day for "wipe down crossover cleanings" — kicking everyone out of a pool that used to run all day long.

The result? On beautiful summer days, the pool sits well below capacity while swimmers are turned away at the gate. No-shows hold spots that never get used. Kids, teens, seniors, families, and anyone without the time (or tech) to game a booking portal three days in advance simply lose out.

These rules were introduced as a temporary pandemic measure. The pandemic ended. The restrictions didn't.

75%

of pool capacity is reserved for advance bookings

3 days

ahead — how far you must plan to guarantee a swim

5 years

since these "temporary" COVID rules were introduced

One Simple Demand

We're calling on the Vancouver Park Board to end the online reservation system at Kitsilano Pool and return to full first-come, first-served public access — the way it worked for over 90 years.

This isn't a fringe position. Mayor Ken Sim and his ABC Party have formally called on the Park Board to scrap the booking system. Swimmers, lifeguard alumni, and community advocates across the city agree: a public pool should be open to the public.

"Show up. Pay. Swim. That's how a public pool should work."

Who Gets Left Out

Kids & teens

Young people deserve spontaneous access to this community amenity - a bike ride to the pool shouldn't require a booking portal.

Seniors & low-tech users

Not everyone can navigate an online booking portal, and they shouldn't have to.

Families

Kids don't plan pool days 72 hours in advance. Neither should parents have to.

Everyone who pays for it

Kits Pool is funded by the public. Access shouldn't depend on who's fastest at refreshing a website.

Add Your Name

Every signature strengthens the case when this goes before the Park Board. Add your name and we'll keep you updated on the campaign - including when and how to make your voice heard at key decisions.

"I call on the Vancouver Park Board to remove the online

reservation system at Kitsilano Pool and restore full first-come, first-served public access."

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Postal Code

helps show the Park Board where support comes from

Keep me updated on the #FreeKitsPool campaign and how I can help.

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Meet Our Chair

#FreeKitsPool is chaired by Jody Vance - broadcaster, longtime Vancouverite, and one of the loudest voices calling for the return of open access at Kits Pool. Jody has been raising the alarm about the booking system from the start: drastically reduced capacity, empty lanes, turned-away swimmers, multiple daily closures for "wipe down crossover cleanings," and "temporary" pandemic rules that never went away.

"Kits Pool belongs to all of us - especially our kids and teens, who deserve spontaneous access to this community amenity. For over 90 years, you showed up, paid your admission, and swam. It's time to bring that back."

- Jody Vance, Chair, #FreeKitsPool

The Movement Is Growing

#FreeKitsPool started with frustrated swimmers and has grown into a citywide call for common sense. Media coverage, viral videos, and now the Mayor's office - the pressure is building. The Park Board says "hundreds" prefer booking. We say: let's show them how many thousands prefer an open pool.

Common Questions

Doesn't booking guarantee me a spot?

It guarantees a spot for the fastest bookers — and leaves everyone else out, even when the pool is half empty. First-come, first-served worked for over 90 years and serves everyone equally.

Won't there be long lines without reservations?

Lines existed before COVID, and the pool still ran near capacity. Today's system trades occasional lines for permanent under-use — empty lanes while people are turned away. That's a worse deal for everyone.

Isn't this the Park Board's decision?

Yes — which is exactly why public pressure matters. Commissioners respond to residents. Your signature is how they hear you.

Who's behind this campaign?

#FreeKitsPool is chaired by broadcaster Jody Vance and powered by local swimmers, residents, and community advocates. We're not a political party — we just want our pool back.

Summer Is Short.
The List Is Long.
The Pool Is Half Empty.

It takes 30 seconds to sign and a movement to change policy. Be part of the reason Kits Pool opens up again.

Sign the Petition Now

#FreeKitsPool

A community campaign for open public access at Kitsilano Pool